Robbie Lawler

Robert Glenn "Robbie" Lawler (born March 20, 1982) is an American professional mixed martial artist and current Welterweight champion of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. A professional competitor since 2001, Lawler is also a former EliteXC Middleweight Champion, and has formerly competed in Strikeforce, PRIDE, and the IFL. Since December 6, 2014, Lawler has held the UFC Welterweight Championship and is currently #6 pound-for-pound in official UFC rankings.

Background

Lawler was born in San Diego, California and moved to Bettendorf, Iowa at the age of ten to live with his father. Lawler began training in karate at the age of nine and later attended Bettendorf High School where he received All-State honors in wrestling and football. Lawler was taken under the wing of Pat Miletich when he was 16 years old and began training with Miletich Fighting Systems as soon as he graduated in 2000.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

Lawler made his professional debut in 2001 and won his first four career fights all by TKO/KO, his second fight being in the IFC.